Tenney Park
Madison, WI 53703 Directions
Acres: 38.12
With its friendly atmosphere and impressive display of storybook scenery Tenney Park serves as a place to socialize, a peaceful recluse, and a place to just be. It's an excellent place to watch boats launch, seagulls flock, let the children play at the park, or just catch up on some reading. Under the narrative trees share a picnic on the plush, green grass while enjoying the seemingly endless horizon of Lake Mendota. Tenney Park is also a fantastic place to toss out a line for fishing, swim at the beach, or play a game of one of your favorite sports such as soccer, softball, or volleyball. Take stroll down the winding paths by foot, by bicycle, or rollerblades. In the chilly winter months, after gliding across the frozen lagoon, rejuvenate with a snack in the warming shelter. With its beauty and versatility in every season, this historic park is sure to be a favorite throughout the year!
Alternate addresses: 402 N. Thornton Ave. (shelter); 1330 Sherman Ave.; 1501 Sherman Ave. (boat launch parking)
Alcohol is prohibited in this park. For more information, see the Madison General Ordinance 8.24. In order to have alcohol in this park, you must have an alcohol permit, which may be obtained through the Parks Administrative Office.
In 2023, the City of Madison Engineering Division installed a roughly 25 kW solar photovoltaic system at the John Wall Family Pavilion at Tenney Park. The system consists of roof-mounted modules and will produce an estimated 30,000 kWh per year and will generate 80% of the building's electricity usage.
Bird & Nature Adventures: Explore this park with a free, volunteer-led, guided nature walk offered monthly and year-round.
Tenney Locks
The Tenney Locks are owned and operated by Dane County Parks and typically open May through October. Please see Dane County Tenney Locks for a schedule and permit fee information.
The John Wall Family Pavilion is used as a City of Madison polling location and during elections is closed to all other activities.
At this Park
Athletic Fields & Courts
Most athletic fields and courts are available first-come, first-served. You must reserve fields and courts online for leagues, lessons, or tournaments.
Basketball
Full Courts: 1
Definitions: Full Court = 50' x 84' and Full Small Court = 44' x 74'
Multipurpose Field
2 fields, 1 backstop
Multipurpose Fields are reservable athletic fields with no game-specific design or limitations. Often used for soccer, ultimate, lacrosse or football, yet open to your imagination. They may be used on a first-come, first-served basis if not already reserved.
Tennis & Pickleball
Courts: 3, asphalt, lighted
Volleyball
Courts: 1, sand
By beach
Beach
Swim Ropes: Yes
Shoreline: Lake Mendota
There are no lifeguards on duty.
See Beaches for more information.
Public Health Madison & Dane County monitors the lake water quality Memorial Day to Labor Day. Check beach water quality.
Beach Shelter
No firearms or weapons are permitted on this property. Violators are considered trespassers and subject to forfeiture or arrest.
Boat Launch
Access Lake Mendota.
A Lake Access Permit is required.
See Boat Launches for more information and to purchase a Lake Access Permit.
Canoe and Kayak Launch
Access Lake Mendota.
See Canoe/Kayak Launches for more information.
Canoe and Kayak Storage
Store your canoe, kayak, or paddleboard. All storage racks are outdoors and uncovered. See Canoe & Kayak Storage for more information and how to reserve.
Fishing
See Fishing for additional locations.
People 16 years and older need a fishing license from the Wisconsin DNR.
Eating fish can be a delicious, low-cost, and nutritious meal. However, eating certain fish can also be harmful because they may contain mercury, PCBs, or PFAS. See Eating Your Catch (from the WI DNR) for more information.
Frozen Lagoon
Closed for Season
Check the status before heading out. If a rink is listed as closed, do not go on the ice.
Hockey Rink
Closed for Season
Check the status before heading out. If a rink is listed as closed, do not go on the ice.
John Wall Family Pavilion
No firearms or weapons are permitted on this property. Violators are considered trespassers and subject to forfeiture or arrest.
John Wall Family Pavilion Gas Fireplace
Gas fireplace inside the pavilion and available with a reservation.
Playground
Two playgrounds.
Madison Parks manages about 190 playgrounds systemwide. This results in about 7 playgrounds per 10,000 residents, placing Madison in the top 10 of the Trust for Public Land's national parks ranking. Playground design and amenities vary by park.
Restrooms at Beach Shelter
Closed for Season
No description available.
Restrooms at John Wall Family Pavilion
Open
No description available.